Praise

Good Morning,

In our culture, mankind receives a great deal of praise: they throw a ball, build a business, or play an instrument - but Who deserves the praise?

Judges 5:3 “Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel.”

In Chronicles there were thousands of people whose primary job was to praise God.  Neglecting to praise God is easy to do - so they made it someone's job.  

1 Chronicles 23:5 “Moreover four thousand were porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, said David, to praise therewith.”

We stand and applaud for a touchdown; stadiums resound with shouts and cheers for a great concert or athletic event – but Who made them? Who made their hands, their eyes, and their minds, and Who enabled their coordination? When does God get the praise He deserves?  

1 Chronicles 29:13 “Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.”

Psalm 22:23 “Ye that fear the LORD, praise him.”

May we praise the One Who deserves the praise.  May we praise the Creator Who made a man agile enough to run, jump, catch, throw, or play an instrument. May we praise God, Who made a brain so spectacular that the five-year-old can speak in several languages.  

We clap for everybody; there ought to be some praising of God.

Americans will clap after a song or a touchdown, but take a moment to look at the stars in the sky and lift up your hands toward Heaven with adoration and worship, and shout "What a God!" I know, we are a more sedate congregation, but seriously, we are not sedate at a ball game? Folks in our church feel a bit awkward when people are expressive.  I know, it needs to be well-timed to not distract from the message, but really, how hard is it to say, “Amen?" What about that uncomfortable verse, Psalms 47:1 “O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.”  Maybe God means to only shout in private or outside, but wherever and whenever, He said, "clap your hands."

I am not turning Pentecostal, but I am frustrated with all of the praise going to some fornicating gorilla out in the pasture who can run, block, or catch. I am tired folks becoming famous because they make a lot of money when they do not know the Creator. The fact is, the beginning of wisdom and knowledge starts with the fear of the Lord.  (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10)  Who cares what the Hollywood performers or the inventor of a car thinks about politics.  Let us praise the God Who holds our life in His hands and give respect and honor to those who love and fear Him. 


Let us remember to give praise and honor to God. The Bible says that God wants praise from our mouths – out loud! 

Hebrews 13:15 “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”

Pastor